How the Early 20th Century Open Air Movement Attempted to Curb the Rise of Air Conditioning

Engineer Guy Bill Hammack tells the fascinating tale of how an early 20th century health phenomenon known as the “open air movement” attempted to block the rise of school and home air conditioning over health concerns.

Many hygienists at the turn of the 19th century believed indoor air unhealthy because of respiration. The pictured large crowds of people spewing out toxic carbon dioxide. So they opposed air conditioning, claiming it was something for a factory, not for the home.